This time of year is exam season, which leaves many young people feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or under immense pressure to perform.
Researchers and psychologists at the University of Bath say a free online mental health support tool can provide immediate support to stressed students in just one use.
The tool is available online at unlockwellbeing.org.uk and is free and accessible from any device over the internet.
Professor Maria Rhodes, a clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, said: “One of the important things we see clinically is that stress can cause teens to stop doing the very activities that normally help them cope.
“Our research shows that even very short, evidence-based online activities can help young people feel more hopeful and in control, which can be especially valuable during exam season.
“While mental health support is often perceived as requiring long waiting lists and multiple appointments, some young people are benefiting from easy-to-use, accessible and low-impact tools.”
When students are feeling stressed, it’s best to focus on small, manageable actions instead of trying to solve everything at once. By taking small steps, you can break the cycle of avoidance and overwhelm.
Young people are increasingly using social media and AI tools for emotional support. It is also important that they have access to approaches based on psychological science. ”
Dr Geoff Lambert, Senior Lecturer, School of Health, University of Bath
The intervention, evaluated in a research paper published last month, is a brief digital ‘single session intervention’ developed by the University of Bath in partnership with the Scalable Mental Health Institute.
The case takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is designed to increase hope and control.
